100 Series TLC

[discotdi]

I belong to the NCLR and quite a few of a our members have LR3's. I love landie but I do not love the electronics!

Well the new LR3 does not really have any of the old Rover electronics. It is all Denso and Bosch now. Can't see the electronics being a problem on a drive through Alaska or wherever.
You should probably take your 109! any modern vehicle being discussed in this thread could leave you stranded due to an insignificant electrical fault. In the end I think it comes down to vehicle preparation and LUCK.

so good luck when you undertake your journey.

 

[78Bronco]

I read most of the thread. In regards to the fullsize suv/80 series/100 series debate.

Suburban width is only a few inches wider, can be found with a diesel and in my opinion would better suit towing and hauling 7 peole around. The diesel with a banks turbo/intercooler will get great mileage regardless of weight. The 3/4 ton platform can easily be built with a dana60/14 bolt with selectable lockers far cheaper than any toyota you will find.

Even a Ford Excursion can be found with a 7.3 Diesel which will get about the same mileage as your LC100 and it will tow all day long. Has solid axles, can have a mild lift, selectable lockers and still save thousands over the cost of an LC100. Has a GVW that is designed for your application. In Alaska someone can fix it. They can be had for around $6000. What is the LC worth, $25k?

I love the LC's but at some point you have to compromise and say I need something even bigger. My friends 80 series is great, even his head gasket started to dither. Why is it most toyota forums I visit have so many head gasket stories?:Wow1: For the life of me I couldn't imagine stuffing 7 people in one vehicle that size and hitting the road loaded with a loaded trailer in tow. It doesn't add up. Look at the Excusion diesel with lariat trim...then you will know comfort and capability with some good mods.

 

[stevenmd]

...at some point you have to compromise and say I need something even bigger...

Yeah, I guess I am avoiding that thought.

My 109 isn't really an option. I wouldn't mind it but my wife is a city girl - her comfort is directly related to how much I would enjoy the Alaska trip. Although we have talked about shipping the truck up there, renting an RV for a few weeks to "explore" and then she flies home. The kids and I would then embark on the 30+ day adventure of driving home through Canada.

This trip is about 5 years away still since my youngest is only 8 months old. I want to wait until he is 5 and my oldest will be 18. So I still have time to make any decisions, etc. Who knows... I may have the extra spending money for a SMB by then! Or not...

 

[stevenmd]

I've also been thinking of purchasing an E350 diesel van and doing U-Joints 4x4 conversion on it. It would be cheaper than a SMB. I would just tow one of those "off-road" pop-up tent trailers behind it.

Any which way I go, I am going to have to add a trailer for any trips I take. I guess I need to put more thought into what vehicle would be reasonable for semi-DD use and extended trips. Anything that requires dual use will be a compromise in one form or another.

 

[78Bronco]

I've also been thinking of purchasing an E350 diesel van and doing U-Joints 4x4 conversion on it. It would be cheaper than a SMB. I would just tow one of those "off-road" pop-up tent trailers behind it.

Any which way I go, I am going to have to add a trailer for any trips I take. I guess I need to put more thought into what vehicle would be reasonable for semi-DD use and extended trips. Anything that requires dual use will be a compromise in one form or another.

At least you have some time to choose and get the family involved with the build.

I have lost all faith in gasoline engines these days after getting an import 2.8L TDI. I'm not buying another gasoline powered vehicle ever again.

You could buy a used E350 Diesel for a good deal these days and do the conversion with a divorced t-case and pro rock60 front axle and still have lots of money left over when comparing costs to a TLC 100. Add the ARB lockers, a mild lift and some 37's and it will take your family on many great trips in real comfort. Heck, you could install 7 captin seats so the kids aren't fighting all the way to Alaska.:smiley_drive:

 

[stevenmd]

37's? Holy moly! I was thinking 33's, maybe 35's max. One step ahead of you on those captain's chairs!:ylsmoke:

 

[discotdi]

sounds like a fun trip. will check back in four years. good luck with the planning.

 

[LC/LR4Life]

Yes, reliability is what I am asking. I know the "reputation" that landies have for being unreliable - but that mainly speaks to the electronics of the vehicles. I know my rangie through and through and wouldn't hesitate to take it anywhere in the world - but it doesn't hold 7 people! How are the electronics of the 100 series LC? I know Toyota engines are very reliable but I know nothing about the electronics.

Yes I own two Rover vehicles, a Discovery II (02) and Range Rover (01). Both are nice vehicles, but no where near as reliable as the Land Cruiser. The Range Rover has had many small problems that I have repaired myself, and now the Disco is having problems with the switch for the transmission. The switch is an electronic part that costs $500 and I think that LR could do a better job on making it resist the elements more. Wife is taking it in to have a second switch installed because the 'new' one LR replaced the original with took a crap after 6 months. This switch is what tells the transmission to go into the different gears. The gear lever is moved, and an arm touches one of several contact points inside the switch to select the gear. I expected better since this transmission is made by BMW for LR... oops. As far as YOUR Range Rover, I always loved the 94 Classic.. wow sure would like to have a mint one just to drive around town in.
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